Former Islamic State hostages testify to the cruelty of the British-accented guards

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia—When Federico Motka took the stand to testify at the trial of a member of the Islamic State last week El Shafie Elsheikhhe shared vivid memories of three prison guards, who spoke with an east London accent, dominating his 14 months as a hostage when the terrorist group controlled much of Syria.

One had a particular odor and would sometimes wrap a scarf around his head, said Mr Motka, a development worker from Italy. Another described the theft of mopeds in London and was able to discuss the differences between Islam and Christianity. He testified that he once saw the shadows on the faces of two of the guards through the cell hatch at dusk.